Rugae

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Rugae
Illu stomach.jpg
Diagram of the stomach
Rugae can be seen within stomach.
Anatomical terminology
Rugae folds behind the anterior teeth in the hard palate of the mouth Rugae area.jpg
Rugae folds behind the anterior teeth in the hard palate of the mouth

In anatomy, rugae (sg.: ruga) are a series of ridges produced by folding of the wall of an organ. [1] Most commonly rugae refers to the gastric rugae of the internal surface of the stomach.

Contents

Function

A purpose of the gastric rugae is to allow for expansion of the stomach after the consumption of foods and liquids. This expansion increases the volume of the stomach to hold larger amounts of food. The folds also result in greater surface area, allowing the stomach to absorb nutrients more quickly.

Location

Rugae can appear in the following locations in humans:

Difference between rugae and plicae

With few exceptions (e.g. the scrotum), rugae are only evident when an organ or tissue is deflated or relaxed. For example, rugae are evident within the stomach when it is deflated. However, when the stomach distends, the rugae unfold to allow for the increase in volume. On the other hand, plicae remain folded regardless of distension as is evident within the plicae of the small intestine walls.

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Vaginal rugae are structures of the vagina that are transverse ridges formed out of the supporting tissues and vaginal epithelium in females. Some conditions can cause the disappearance of vaginal rugae and are usually associated with childbirth and prolapse of pelvic structures. The rugae contribute to the resiliency and elasticity of the vagina and its ability to distend and return to its previous state. These structures not only allow expansions and an increase in surface area of the vaginal epithelium, they provide the space necessary for the vaginal microbiota. The shape and structure of the rugae are supported and maintained by the lamina propria of the vagina and the anterior and posterior rugae.

References

  1. Moore, Keith L & Dalley, Arthur F (2006). Clinically Orientated Anatomy (5 ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 250.
  2. Oppenheimer, Adam. "Is My Vagina Normal?" . Retrieved 11 November 2022.
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    Generally unreliable